Florida Online Gambling | Is Gambling Legal in Florida?

What Type of Gambling is Legal in Florida?

Although Floridians cannot legally find any casino-style gambling online, federal laws permit residents to make real wagers though three gaming options.

First, all Florida residents can enjoy horse and greyhound racing either through the state’s many race-betting facilities or over the web through a select number of operators. Placing a wager online is equivalent to placing one in person, so horse and greyhound enthusiasts can comfortably watch and gamble on races from their home.

Secondly, sports fans can try their hand at online fantasy sports betting. The sports gambling alternative is running rampant throughout the country as the newest trend for legal gambling. The game proves to be just as exhilarating as traditional sports betting as well as having better odds to win.

Lastly, all online games of skill are available for residents to wager and win real cash prizes and jackpots.

Playing on Overseas Accounts

Overseas sites are never a good option for online gambling. Foreign sites claim they are safe and legal to play on for all US citizens. However, these sites operate in countries without proper gambling regulations. US jurisdiction does not reach these sites in attempts to regain lost winnings or unfair games of chance.

Operating outside US borders renders offshore sites illegal in every state of the Union. Florida law defines illicit gambling in State Statute 849-08, “Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.” The punishment in Florida for a second-degree misdemeanor is $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.

Online Poker 

Online poker is not currently legal in Florida. The Sunshine State offers more casino options for poker players than most other states in the Union. However, the state does not authorize any third party enterprises to operate over the Internet. Any current poker sites are operating illegally without state or federal licensing. There is potential for Florida to make an interstate pact with any of the states that currently allow online poker, but the chances are small due to the present Florida lawmakers in office. Residents of the Sunshine State will have to commute to the nearest brick and mortar establishment or try one of the many casino cruise ships operating under state law.

Online Sports Betting

Florida sticks to federal law when it comes to traditional sports betting. The gambling option became illegal in 1961 under the Federal Wire Act. The decision to ban illicit sports betting was reinforced in 2006 when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act took effect. The state of Florida considers placing a wager with an offshore sportsbook or underground enterprise to be a misdemeanor penalty. However, any Floridians wishing to operate a sportsbook or an underground betting establishment could face some serious jail time.

State Statute 849-01 reads, “Whoever by herself or himself, her or his servant, clerk or agent, or in any other manner has, keeps, exercises or maintains a gaming table or room, or gaming implements or apparatus, or house, booth, tent, shelter or other place for the purpose of gaming or gambling or in any place of which she or he may directly or indirectly have charge, control or management, either exclusively or with others, procures, suffers or permits any person to play for money or other valuable thing at any game whatever, whether heretofore prohibited or not, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree.”

Online Horse and Greyhound Racing

Florida is home to one of the largest horse and greyhound racing industries in the nation. With over 50 off-track betting facilities and a handful of live tracks to choose from, the racing sport has many new Floridians looking to gamble. However, residents of the Sunshine State do not have to travel if they wish to get a piece of the gambling action. The state holds licensing and contracts with a certain number of racing sites that lets members watch and wager on any live race. Modern day technology allows race enthusiasts stream all of their favorite horse and greyhound races anywhere on the go.

Safe and legal horse and greyhound betting sites:

TVG

TVG is also another major provider for the horse and greyhound betting industry. The site additionally hosts every possible race over its world famous television network, that provides service to over 33 million American homes. TVG gives avid horse and greyhound bettors as well as beginners a simple to use betting platform to stay on top of all the big payout events. Check out TVG for a sign-up bonus when you join the horse and greyhound racing community.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Florida

Online fantasy sports betting is the new trend in the world of gambling. The sports gambling alternative is considered a game of skill according to both Florida and federal law. The online sensation has over 57 million participants all drafting their dream teams either seasonally or weekly.

The US Congress took into consideration the many factors that play into the game before making their ruling in 2006. Fantasy sports managers have to understand several complexities that make the game center around skill. Participants should update on both past and present player stats, coaching strategies, schedule strength, match-up, team chemistry, as well as many other variables that impact the outcome.

Although it is a big commitment, sports fans everywhere are talking about the constant excitement and fun that attaches on to the gambling option. Better yet, all sites are licensed and regulated within the US, so fantasy bettors do not have to worry about payout time or reliability.

Here are a few of the most popular fantasy sports betting websites legal to play:

DraftKings in Florida

DraftKings is one of the top sites for daily fantasy leagues in the industry. Members no longer have to worry about their star players getting hurt or having cold streaks. They simply must draft the players they think will be hottest this upcoming week. DraftKings matches up to $600 on new member deposits. Sign up and try out drafting for free on DraftKings. Learn more by reading the DraftKings Review!

Online Casinos

Although Florida is home to one of the healthiest brick and mortar gambling industries, it does not authorize, manage, or regulate any online casinos. Residents of the Sunshine State can either travel to a nearby land-based gambling establishment or try their hand at the casino-style alternative with online skill games. Unlike slots and most casino table games, skill games are interactive puzzle games that test knowledge and speed. All skill games are legal to gamble on for real cash.

Conclusion

Florida is a great state for those seeking a thrilling gambling experience. Not only does the state have several land-based facilities to choose from, but also some exhilarating options over the Internet. Residents should stay away from offshore gambling sites and all other forms of illegal gambling. Illicit gambling never proves to be worth the risk. Enjoy the experience and good luck!